I’m just asking, what is Putin’s strategic end other than money? Is that different than Saudi’s strategy? Maybe a little, cause Saudi does have that religious goal.
He can control Europe. Recall a few years back when he threatened to shut off gas “Feb 27, 2015 - Russia has threatened to turn off the gas supply to Ukraine “by the end of the week”, sparking fears of a potential fuel shortage across the whole of Europe.” Europe depended on Russia at that time for nearly 50% of its supply. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/putins-gas-threat-what-happens-if-russia-cuts-the-gas-to-europe-10074294.html
Now how powerful would Putin be if he controlled more like 90-95% of the supply? Not just ‘rich,’ but that is real power because the EU would be at his mercy. Want to sanction Russia...hmmm...look at that a fuel crisis in Europe in the dead of winter. We would never be able to negotiate anything with Europe ever again.
Now what would it mean in the Middle East? SA goes down on the totem pole and Iran rises as a force to be reckoned with. Cash starved Iran then has the money to do whatever they want weapon wise because they can shut off the gas supply to Europe...just like Putin or with Putin’s protection to do it.
Now do you see what kind of mess this really is? Our allies literally fall apart in two regions of the world and we witness the real fall of western civilization on the European continent.